Hepatitis C is a common blood-borne infection. An estimated 2.7 – 3.9 million people in the United States have chronic hepatitis C [1]. In recent years, significant advancements in hepatitis C treatment have resulted in increased treatment success rates and shorter treatment durations.
Although this disease is treatable, as many as 75% of Americans with the hepatitis C virus are unaware of their infection status [1]. Here’s more on the importance of detecting and treating hepatitis C early and how accessible screening can help close gaps in care.
About hepatitis C infection
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. This bloodborne virus can be spread through direct contact with infected blood. Some ways people can contract hepatitis C may include injection drug use, spreading to an infant during pregnancy or birth, unsafe healthcare such as infected blood products or organ transplants, and sexual contact [2].
There are two phases of hepatitis C infection: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis C occurs in the first six months after a person is exposed to the virus. Around 15 to 45% of infected persons clear the virus within six months of infection without any treatment [3]. Hepatitis C may become chronic when the body can't fight off the virus. About 55 to 85% of people with acute hepatitis C will develop chronic hepatitis C [3]. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C can prevent liver damage.
Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can eventually lead to liver damage, scarring, or cancer. People aged 55 to 64 account for more than half of people living with hepatitis C; however, people between the ages of 20 to 49 account for the most reported acute infections [4].
The importance of detecting and treating hepatitis C early
Hepatitis C infections are often asymptomatic until liver damage occurs. Treating and detecting the virus early prevents liver damage. As such, the United States Preventative Services Task Force and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend testing all adults at least once in their lifetime and during each pregnancy (if applicable) [5]. Treatment is easier than ever for those who are at risk. Starting treatment early may lower the risk of developing complications from the illness, including liver scarring and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C imposes substantial economic burdens, with direct and indirect costs estimated at more than $10 billion annually in the United States [6]. Fortunately, detecting hepatitis C early can be cost-effective or even cost-saving compared to treating it at more advanced stages. Early treatment can prevent years of decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs associated with infection. Early detection and treatment can also reduce the risk of work loss, leading to productivity gains for both employees and employers. According to one study, treating hepatitis C can save $57,000 to almost $200,000 per patient, depending on the severity of existing liver damage [7].
Barriers to early hepatitis C identification and treatment
Hepatitis C infection can be challenging to detect for several reasons. Early symptoms of hepatitis C infection may be non-specific, like fatigue and loss of appetite, and may not catch the attention of doctors or patients. Many individuals with hepatitis C may not have symptoms until they have liver cirrhosis but may still be asymptomatic in the early stages.
As a result, many individuals with hepatitis C don't even know they are infected. Additionally, many at-risk individuals experience difficulty accessing or navigating the American health system to get the care they need.
How LetsGetChecked can help
To close gaps in hepatitis C screening, LetsGetChecked meets individuals where they are with the care they need. Our at-home sample collection and virtual support deliver valuable health insights from the comfort of home. By making screening and care more accessible, we can move towards a reality where individuals can know their status and prevent the spread of infection, make informed decisions regarding care and treatment, and live free from stigma and discrimination.
References
- https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-c
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
- https://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/go/screening-diagnosis/epidemiology-us/core-concept/all
- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hepatitis-c-screening
- https://www.jmcp.org/doi/10.18553/jmcp.2021.21246
- https://www.rstreet.org/commentary/eliminating-hepatitis-c-requires-commitment/
